§ Sir Anthony GrantTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make regulations requiring periodic eye tests for all persons holding a driving licence; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Peter BottomleyNo. Current legislation already places the responsibility on motorists to meet, at all times when driving, a standard of visual acuity equivalent to an ability to read a vehicle number plate from a distance of 75 ft for characters 3½ in high or 67 ft for characters 3⅛ in high. The number plate test is one that motorists can take for themselves at any time and can be readily used by the police for enforcement purposes. Motorists who have any doubts about their ability to satisfy the test should consult any optician for further advice.
Drivers are required to inform the DVLC if they become aware of an eyesight condition which affects their ability to drive. Some 60 such cases are referred to the centre each day for investigation; where necessary, arrangements are made for specialist eyesight examinations.
Research studies have not identified poor eyesight as a significant factor in accidents. There is no evidence to suggest that the present arrangements are failing to meet the requirements of road safety.
1979 per cent. 1980 per cent. 1981 per cent. 1982 per cent. 1983 per cent. 1984–85 per cent. 1985–86 per cent. 1986–87 per cent. 1987–88 per cent. Traffic income including reimbursement for concessionary fares 73.9 71.4 64.1 62.8 60.1 65.6 63.8 66.3 71.2 Other income 1.8 1.8 2.8 2.5 2.7 3.1 3.8 4.4 5.1 Ratepayer subsidy 24.3 26.8 33.1 34.7 37.2 31.3 21.3 19.2 15.6 Exchequer contribution 11.1 10.1 8.1 £ £ £ Ratepayer subsidy per 1,000 passenger miles (at constant 1986.87 prices) 184.27 100.10 76.80